SEC Power Rankings: LSU – Alabama set up for another instant classic

Oct 31, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) passes agains the Houston Cougars in the second quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Vanderbilt’s non-conference schedule looked strange at the beginning of the season, especially the two road games against Group of Five programs, but as the year progressed and Houston looked better and better under first-year head coach Tom Herman the idea to schedule this week’s date with the Cougars looked worse and worse.

Houston entered the game 7-0 and ranked No. 18 in the AP Top 25. Though the Commodores had played very good defense most of the year, and even picked up some momentum with three wins over the past five games including the first SEC victory of the Derek Mason era last weekend, Cougars’ quarterback Greg Ward, Jr. was just too much.

The nation’s leader in rushing touchdowns, Ward got Houston on the board with a 5-yard TD in the first quarter – his 16th of the season. However, the Vandy defense actually kept the dual-threat weapon in check most of the night on the ground, and held Ward to 33 rushing yards on 19 carries, sacked him three times and forced two fumbles.

Unfortunately, the Vanderbilt offense wasn’t able to take advantage. Kyle Shurmur started for the second straight game and threw for only 20 yards on 3-for-11 passing. Johnny McCrary, who appeared in relief for the second week in a row, wasn’t much better and completed two of nine passes for 24 yards. The pair was intercepted three times combined.

The running game was certainly better than the passing game, and Ralph Webb gained 99 rushing yards on 26 carries. However, the ‘Dores were no match for the red-hot Cougars. Next week gets even tougher with a trip to The Swamp on tap.

Next Game: Saturday November 7 at Florida

Next: Kentucky